By Lisa Price Waltman
I have just arrived home (five minutes ago) after 2,800 miles traveled with the First Annual Honor Run. It has been a bit more than a week since departing and yet I feel as though a lifetime has been lived during this time.
Many of you know my affiliation with The Honor Run and how my father and father-in-law were both POW’s (WWII and Vietnam respectively) and of my family’s first hand experience with The Fisher House as my father-in-law was a guest there, later in life. Some of you may now know me as the gal with the crazy camera and the red convertible that followed the ride across the country. I must have over a thousand pictures saved but there’s one I’m glad I did not capture just outside of Camp Pendleton.
After parades of flag bearing children lining small town streets, fire truck and police escorts, homemade meals prepared with extra TLC, people waving from overpasses, bands donating their talents, Harley Davidson shops opening their much welcomed air conditioned doors, thumbs up from strangers in nearby vehicles, saluting veterans standing in the street, visiting veteran’s memorials, VFW and American Legion volunteers keeping us hydrated and fed…I have never shed so many tears of pride or have been more proud to be an American.
As an adult I flew my flag (with proper lighting) every day and night. Late last fall I flew my flag for one day, upside down – my statement of protest and my personal concern for our country and where we were headed. (I have flown it once since then, that being on the 4th of July) You may not agree with this act of defiance but as an American I am given certain freedoms to express myself and do not fear political persecution or physical harm for such an act. Not one of my proudest moments as a patriot, but a freedom granted to me on the backs of those who fight to protect the many freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
On Saturday during the final ride, leaving from Oceanside, CA, traveling to Oakley Headquarters at Foothill Ranch, I was once again riding behind the group of national riders. The hundreds of American flags that lined the outskirts of Camp Pendleton brought tears to my eyes as they stretched on for miles! (I had previously purchased one of the flags and cannot wait to receive it in the mail!) I managed to catch a couple pictures while still trying to keep the merging traffic off the back wheels of our riders. But the shot I’m glad I didn’t get was of a particular car that simply would not back off. Inside the vehicle were two individuals who insisted on traversing up and down next to the line of riders, flipping us their middle finger. I was shocked and incensed at this gesture to such a group. My instinct was to respond in kind. But as they paraded next to me I simply gave them a thumbs up as I kept my focus on the road directly in front of me and exactly why we were there. My thoughts immediately turned to those freedoms we’re given – we’re all given – even them. How ironic that in front of all these flags, these two felt a need to show their disdain for whatever they were protesting – we’ll never know. Perhaps they thought us to be a bunch of evil war mongers or bad ass bikers – we’ll never know. All I knew is that because of the military folks that we were directly riding to help, they – the rebels without a clue - get to do what they did without fear of political prosecution. And while most of us would like to entertain the thought of these two coming in last in an axe handle fight, we don’t go there. We ride instead.
Just two hours from my home destination today, my left front tire became “unlaminated” (technical term for freaking shredded) yet I was able to hobble my crippled little car closer to Pueblo, CO, where I found a dealership to assist me. The female service director asked me about The Honor Run signs on my doors. I told her about the ride, The Fisher House and what an amazing gift I’d been given in being a part of this mission. Tears came to her eyes as she began to tell me of her two sons, one in Iraq (US Army) and the other (USMC) possibly heading to Afghanistan. She thanked me for what we’re doing and she asked me to thank each of you, which I do (again, the tears). Without your passion and your beautiful, giving hearts, this would just be a good idea.
Mike Kerr spoke of a Zippo lighter that had been given to him by a widow – the only personal affect found on a fallen soldier/her husband, pulled from the Euphrates River. By each of you participating – regardless of how – you help keep a thumb on that lever that keeps the light burning. I salute each and every one of you and thank you for the opportunity to fall back in love with this great place we call America. I wait with great anticipation the arrival of my Camp Pendleton flag that will once again be a daily reminder of The Free and The Brave.

We left Denver where we had such a wonderful reception and headed for Salina Ut. yesterday. One of our first stops was Aspen Valley HD where they put out the red carpet. We had snacks and enjoyed the dealership and just relaxed. Also we were able to pay our tributes to Marble Mountain where several firefighters lost there lives trying to protect the inhabited areas of Denver a few years back. Very moving....

From there we went to Fruita CO and visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where we had lunch. Such a wonderful reception and such a beautiful monument to our fallen heroes.

Denver Fire came out to welcome the Honor Run to Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson where we had lunch a live band and a ton of fun. Thanks to Vinnie and Cathy, owners of the dealer, the band and everyone who put on the show.

We will be back next year and on a Saturday!!!!

Is this a sight of what. All these riders in Colorado supporting the Honor Run and helping our Wounded Warriors.

Thank you Colorado Team Leaders Mark, Lisa, Eric and Mike you guys are the best.

The first stop out of Colby Kansas was Burlington CO. and what a stop it was. I was greeted along the road by Murry and Bud. What a pair of patriots. The met us along the road taking us into Burlington to the VFW where we enjoyed biscuits and gravey, eggs, hash browns juice and hot coffee. When the riders asked the servers where to pay she pointed at Bud and Murry and said they had picked up the tab. Outstanding guys.

Little story about how we met Bud. In 2007 I was with Run for the Wall in the very same van I am in now pulling the same trailer. We had a very long day and pulled into Burlington for a hot meal. When we parked along the curb we noticed one of the trailer tires was going flat. With the trailer fully loaded with water and snacks and a broken down Harley there was no way the jack we had would do the job. We walked to the mini mart on the corner and asked the clerk if knew of anyone who could fix the flat on the spot for a bunch of old and tired Vietnam Veterans. We were cracking up when she said "I think I have a guys card in the back if you guys will watch the register for me" I mean we were looking pretty rough by then. After about ten minutes she handed us a card and we placed the call for repair. We were standing by the van at about ten at night when we heard the rumble of a bike. On that bike was this bear of a man and a beautiful blonde riding behind him. He past us by then made a u turn and headed our way. We thought we were done... He got off his bike and the first thing we noticed was his name patch on his riding vest. "It's Mr. Asshole to you" Mr. Asshole reached out his hand and asked us what the problem was. About that time the guy showed up to fix the flat. Turns out he knew Bud and the two went behind the van and talked. In about five minutes the trailer was as good as new and when we went to pay the tab the guy told us Bud took care of it. We thanked him and went about getting that hot meal we were dying for. It gets better...when we finish dinner and ask for the check the waiter said "Oh it's been taken care of" We said "by who" he said "the blonde at the bar" That blonde was Brandy Buds wife. Later we found out that Murry was Buds father in law and was riding in Run for the Wall all the way the next morning with us.

Now if you ever find yourself in trouble with the law when you ride through burlington some day Bud and Murray have you covered. When they impound your bike Bud will be the one who picks it up as he owns the towing company in town. When they take you to Murry will make sure you get three hots and a cott as he is the Sherriff and in the morning when you wake up he will give you Buds card as Bud also owns a bail bond business in town. Buds bike in the photo is a 57 Pan and he road it without a single complaint.

As I said patriots.

Upon arrival in Colby Kansas the Cheerleading Squad was out to welcome the Honor Run riders to town. They provided warm smiles, goody bags and fun for all the riders. I was surprised at the fact that they went to several of the Honor Run riders asking for photos and could not seem to find anyone willing to help them out. Finally I noticed the sadness in their eyes and taking one for the cause agreed to be photographed with them.... and if you believe that I have fifty acres of ocean front property located just outside of town that you can get real cheap!!!

Thanks Colby High Cheerleaders for bringing a smile to everyones face and relish in the fact that you are now the most photographed group in all of Colby.

The Honor Run rolled into Colby Kansas and man... what a welcome. Escorts, flags, signs the Royal Treatment. An entire High School Athletic department from thirty miles away came in to hear Dave Barr speak about his life's journey. The American Legion did an awesome job and conducted a raffle for a 42 inch TV with the proceeds going to the Honor Run.

Thank you Jim Oliver and the entire town of Colby Kansas

Just a shot of the gang crossing Kansas. It is an awesome day for a ride. Wish you were here

A big thank you and Semper Fi to the Sweetwater CA HOG Chapter and the El Cajon HOG Chapter for letting us borrow a couple of their members who are running from DC to CA.

A funny thing happened to our Kiwi friend John Coleman the other night. John, retired Royal New Zealand Army Warrant Officer, flew all the way from New Zealand to CA rented a Harley and has been riding with us from CA to DC and now back again. The other night after a long day he stopped in the local Pub at the hotel. He stepped outside to have a smoke and and a guy came up to him and handed him the orange card he is holding and simply said "hold on to this you just might need it" John said thank you and as the man was walking away read the card. He was very surprised to find out that it was for the services of a bail bondsman. He is now our little Kiwi Criminal.

We are departing Kearney MO this morning in route to Salina Kansas. What a great town Kearney has been. They LOVE us in Kearney has become the new mantra of the Honor Run. We were sent off with a breakfast of biscuts and gravey all prepared and donated by the local Knights of Columbus and presented gifts from the Chief of the Fire Department. The police escorted us safely through town and on to the interstate and even went the extra distance in helping the biker pictured above. THANK YOU KEARNEY and Semper Fi

This is a picture of two real heroes. Dennis and the "Joker" both served in the Marine Corps during Veitnam and fought in the battle of Hue. Unfortunately the Joker will not be able to ride all the way with us but it has been 40 years since these two heroes have served together. When Dennis gets to Mesquite he will be reunited with Peg Leg, Roland M, who lost his leg in the very same battle. Now these heroes ride in support of our Wounded Warriors. Awesome brothers and welcome home I am so proud of you and for the fact that you join all of us in making sure no warrior will ever be forgotten again. Semper Fi

After a 380 mile ride we stopped at the Pilot fuel stop enroute to our evening and dinner in the Kearney Ampitheater and were so surprised by the reception the riders in the area had prepared for us. Just more evidence that the Honor Run is a run who's time has come as patriots from across the nation have begun to band together in support of our Wounded Warriors and their families. Stay tuned for more on the reception the town has prepared for us when we roll into Kearney in about a hundred and twenty miles.

You have to check this out. Heroes who ride

Thanks to Ben Holton and his lovely wife Kim along with the entire Indy team our stop in Indiana was a huge success. We visited American Legion Post 64 where the American Legion Riders presented us with a check for $500.00 and we had a wonderful lunch and met some incredible people.

Later that day we went to the Harley Davidson Indy Mile and watched the flat track race. Best part of all is that we had the parents of Deborah May as our guests sitting in our box provided by Family Events. Deborah is the widow of SSGT Donald May Jr KIA 3/23/03 while defending our freedom in Iraq. It was a pleasure spending some time with them and thanking them personally for all they have done

Hey everyone,

Its day two and we departed out of Cambridge Ohio at 0700 hours. Light rain for about thirty miles followed by clear and cool sunny skies. Here are a couple of pictures of the group as we head out from the first gas stop. Everyone has been great and patrons at the gas stop donated another 60.00 to the cause and took their time to let us know they appreciate our effort and the sacrifices of our Wounded Warriors and their families.

The Honor Run took off yesterday for the Vietnam Memorial with approximately 75 bikers. It was a very moving morning and we were joined by representatives of the Fisher Foundation. Two riders came all the way from New Zealand to join the Honor Run. Mr. John Coleman retired Warrant Officer Royal New Zealand Army flew into Los Angeles and rode with us from CA to DC and is making the journey back to CA. The Honorable Rick Barker, Active Member of the New Zealand Parliament and former Head of Veterans Affairs joined us in DC and is riding all the way. We were also joined in DC by Mr. James Gregory (Biker Gunny) who founded RFTW and has pledged to throw his support to the Honor Run for the years to come.

Last night the town of Cambridge Ohio we rode into Cambridge 150 strong and under the leadership of Charlene Downing our State Coordinator we raised in excess of 5,000.00.

Today it is off to Indy for a really incredible opportunity to spread the word of that Honor Run at the Indy Mile.